Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Little Yoho.
Carefully assess the wind slab problem before committing to big terrain. Though natural avalanche activity has decreased, skier triggering of this problem remains a concern.
Weather Forecast
Overcast skies and light snow is expected over the weekend. An arctic ridge will move into the forecast region by Sunday resulting in cold temperatures and decreased wind values. The arctic air will remain in place until Friday next week.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate to strong Westerly winds have redistributed the recent 30-60cm of low density storm snow into wind slab in the alpine and exposed areas at tree line. In sheltered areas the recent storm snow remains loose powder. The mid snowpack has a series of persistent weak layers that remain dormant. Height of snow at tree line is 150-220 cm.
Avalanche Summary
Natural avalanche activity has tapered since the peak of the storm on Tuesday. Explosive control work has continued to produce avalanches to size 2.5 in areas where newly formed wind slabs exist.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recently formed wind slabs continue to produce avalanches to size 2.5 in the alpine and open areas at tree line. Skier triggering of this problem remains a concern.
- Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Dry
Up to 60 cm of storm snow has been sluffing in steep terrain. Avoid committing yourself to steep, confined terrain.
- Be careful of loose dry power sluffing in steep terrain.
- Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5